Many international students work part-time jobs to help cover the cost of studying and living abroad. If you plan to study in the United States (US) and are looking for some on-campus part-time job inspiration, look no further. This blog post explores five part-time jobs which international students in the US should consider. The salary information in this post is provided for informational purposes only and sourced from Indeed as a national average (in USD). Amounts are current as of July 2025.
Studying elsewhere? Check out the other posts in this series about part-time jobs for international students in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
If you intend to work while studying, it’s important to follow the rules of your student visa. Read our guide on working while studying in the US to learn more.
1. Library Page (US$14.72/hour)
If the idea of spending time among books in a peaceful setting sounds good, a job as a library page at your campus library might be the perfect fit.
In this part-time on-campus job, you’ll:
- Put books and other library items back in their correct places after being returned
- Ensure the shelves and other storage areas are well-organized
- Support library technicians, assistants, and librarians
- Offer book recommendations to fellow students
- Help students find the resources they need
A part-time job as a library page is a great way for book lovers to earn a living while on campus.
2. Teaching Assistant (US$18.12/hour)
A popular on-campus job for upper-year undergraduate or postgraduate students is working as a teaching assistant or teacher’s aide. Reasons to take this role include enhancing your resume with valuable skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the field of study, and having a direct impact on your peers’ learning experience. If you’re considering becoming a teacher or going into academia, this can help you determine if you enjoy teaching, as well!
As a teacher’s assistant, your tasks may vary depending on your level of education and the needs of the students you’re supporting. You may be responsible for:
- Supporting classroom management
- Overseeing lab sessions that complement lectures
- Providing small group or individual instruction
- Organizing visual aids, reference materials, and other documents as requested by your instructor
Students who take on this role will work closely with a faculty member. By fulfilling your duties well, you may earn a strong letter of recommendation from them to support your career or future studies.
3. Retail Sales Associate (US$15.79/hour)
Are you a people person who can deliver exceptional customer service? As an on-campus retail sales associate, you’ll guide customers through making different purchases. Plus, some stores offer commission—so the more you sell, the more you’ll earn.
In retail roles, you may be responsible for:
- Providing customer service, like answering questions or helping customers choose between different options
- Preparing merchandise for purchase or rental
- Handling financial transactions like returns, exchanges, and sales
- Keeping the store tidy and well-stocked
Many stores offer an employee discount, so check to see which ones you’re eligible for. And you don’t always need to be an employee: lots of retail stores offer a student discount.
Student discounts are a fantastic way to save money, especially when you’re a student on a budget.
4. Production or Event Assistant (US$18.61/hour)
While this job can also refer to a support role in the film industry, on campus, a production or event assistant handles logistics and administration of student events on campus. If you’re eager to meet new people and get involved in your school’s events and community, this job might be just what you’re looking for! You’ll work with a diverse group of students and staff members while making a positive impact on campus life.
In this position, you’ll:
- Manage technical services
- Help to organize and run campus events or conferences
- Liaise with event vendors and participants
- Collaborate with other production assistants
As a production assistant, you’ll be the driving force behind making exciting events happen!
5. Tutor (US$26.06/hour)
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a tutor is the gratitude you’ll receive from fellow students working hard to understand the course material you’re supporting them with. Knowing that you’ve contributed to their academic success is incredibly fulfilling.
As a tutor, you’ll likely be responsible for:
- Providing individualized learning content
- Ensuring confidentiality with the tutee
- Creating and maintaining a tutoring schedule
- Drafting, adapting, and supplying customized study material
- Making appropriate referrals to college or university offices when needed
If you’re knowledgeable in a specific subject and are friendly, organized, and reliable, a part-time job as a peer tutor could be a great fit for you.
Many students find part-time work at campus job fairs. Check out our guide for strategies that can help you connect with potential employers.
These five part-time jobs in the US are great options for international students looking to build their resume and work on-campus. Whether you want to get more experience in a specific field or just earn some extra cash, there’s something here for everyone. Good luck on your job hunt!
Ready to start your study journey in the United States? Explore your options on the ApplyBoard platform.